Sierra MatchKing Bullets 22 Caliber (224 Diameter) 69 Grain Hollow Point Boat Tail

The Sierra MatchKing 22 caliber 69 grain hollow point boat tail bullet is purpose-built for precision rifle competition, particularly in Service Rifle matches with the M16A2 and AR-15A2 platforms. These bullets have earned their reputation through decades of record-setting accuracy at the national level, making them a trusted choice for competitors who demand consistency and reliability when it matters most. If you're loading competition ammunition or serious target rounds for your .224 Diameter rifle, MatchKings deliver the tight grouping and predictable performance that separates winners from the rest of the field.

MatchKing bullets are engineered around match-grade concentricity and aerodynamic stability rather than game performance. Their hollow point design is optimized for accuracy in controlled environments—target ranges and competitions—where precision is the only variable that counts. While some reloaders use them for varmint hunting, understand that their construction doesn't guarantee the same level of expansion and energy transfer you'd get from purpose-built varmint bullets at typical hunting velocities.

The #1380 design, introduced in 1984, has proven its worth across generations of competition shooters and serious handloaders. Success with these bullets depends on matching them to the right barrel: you'll need a twist rate of 1-in-10 inches or faster to stabilize them properly. Load them in quality brass with consistent powder charges and primers, and MatchKings will reward your attention to detail with the kind of accuracy that builds confidence downrange.

Key Features

• 69 grain hollow point boat tail design optimized for precision and accuracy
• Proven record-setter in national Service Rifle competition
• Consistent construction for tight grouping and reliability
• Designed for M16A2 and AR-15A2 platforms and similar .224 Diameter rifles
• Requires 1-in-10 inch or faster barrel twist rate for proper stabilization

Specifications

Caliber	22 Caliber
Diameter	.224 inch
Weight	69 grains
Style	Hollow Point Boat Tail
Minimum Barrel Twist	1-in-10 inch or faster
Model Number	#1380

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these .224 bullets good for hunting varmints or game?

MatchKings are designed for competition accuracy, not hunting. While some reloaders use them for varmints, they won't deliver the same reliable expansion at hunting velocities as Sierra's Hornet Blitz or Varminter bullets, which are specifically engineered for that purpose. For hunting applications, choose a bullet designed with expansion and energy transfer in mind.

What barrel twist rate do I need for the 69 grain MatchKing?

You'll need a barrel twist rate of 1-in-10 inches or faster to properly stabilize this bullet. Slower twist rates will result in poor accuracy and unreliable flight.

What platforms are these bullets for?

The Sierra MatchKing 69 grain is purpose-built for Service Rifle competition in the M16A2 and AR-15A2, though they work in any .224 Diameter rifle with the appropriate twist rate. They're a popular match ammunition component for precision rifle competitors.

When was the #1380 introduced?

Sierra introduced the #1380 MatchKing design in 1984, and it remains a competition standard more than 40 years later.